From November 1st, the Indian government has announced a new tariff and cess on pulses, which has sparked a lot of discussion and debate among farmers and consumers alike. The decision to impose a 10 per cent tariff and 20 per cent agri infra development cess on pulses has been met with mixed reactions, with some welcoming it as a necessary step towards boosting the agricultural sector, while others expressing concerns about its impact on the common man.
The government’s move to impose a tariff and cess on pulses comes in the wake of a significant increase in the production of pulses in the country. India is the largest producer, consumer, and importer of pulses in the world, and the government’s aim is to make the country self-sufficient in this essential crop. However, the increase in production has also led to a decline in prices, which has adversely affected the income of farmers. The new tariff and cess are expected to address this issue and provide a much-needed boost to the agricultural sector.
The 10 per cent tariff on pulses will be applicable on both imported and domestically produced pulses. This move is aimed at protecting the interests of Indian farmers and promoting domestic production. The government believes that this will encourage farmers to increase their production and reduce the country’s dependence on imports. It will also provide a level playing field for domestic producers, who have been facing stiff competition from cheaper imports.
The 20 per cent agri infra development cess, on the other hand, is a step towards improving the infrastructure in the agricultural sector. The funds collected through this cess will be used for the development of agricultural infrastructure, such as storage facilities, cold chains, and processing units. This will not only benefit the farmers but also improve the quality and quantity of pulses produced in the country. It will also create employment opportunities in rural areas and boost the overall economy.
The government’s decision to impose a tariff and cess on pulses has been met with some criticism, with concerns being raised about its impact on the common man. However, it is essential to understand that the increase in prices of pulses will be minimal and will not have a significant impact on the average consumer. Moreover, the government has assured that the revenue generated through this move will be used for the development of the agricultural sector, which will ultimately benefit the entire population.
The new tariff and cess on pulses are also in line with the government’s vision of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. The agricultural sector has been facing numerous challenges, and this move is a step towards addressing some of them. It will not only provide a boost to the production of pulses but also improve the overall income of farmers. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on the rural economy and contribute to the country’s overall growth.
The government has also taken steps to ensure that the burden of the tariff and cess does not fall solely on the farmers. It has been announced that the government will bear the cost of the 10 per cent tariff on imported pulses, which will provide relief to the farmers. This shows the government’s commitment towards the welfare of farmers and its efforts to strike a balance between the interests of farmers and consumers.
In conclusion, the government’s decision to impose a 10 per cent tariff and 20 per cent agri infra development cess on pulses is a step in the right direction. It will not only protect the interests of Indian farmers but also promote domestic production and improve the overall quality of pulses. The move is a part of the government’s efforts to make India self-sufficient in the production of essential crops and achieve its goal of doubling farmers’ income. While there may be some initial concerns, the long-term benefits of this move are undeniable, and it is a positive step towards the development of the agricultural sector in the country.
